Leading with Clarity: Storytelling, Strategy, and the Human Side of Branding

In this episode of Coach’s Corner: Leadership Unplugged, Laura Bennett sits down with Jens-Kristian Kiel—a speaker, branding professional, and content strategist who brings together German precision and American heart. With over 30 years of experience across advertising, marketing, IT, and higher education, Jens has led across continents and industries, leaving his mark through thoughtful storytelling, cross-cultural communication, and human-centered innovation. They talk about what it really means to lead with authenticity, how to express your value without just reciting a résumé, and why the best branding is grounded in service—not self-promotion. From overcoming imposter syndrome to designing solutions that meet people where they are, Jens shares both the mindset and methods that have made him a trusted advisor and award-winning leader in the West Virginia community and beyond. This episode is especially powerful for leaders in transition, professionals looking to refine their voice, and anyone wondering how to communicate their expertise without losing their humility. 🎧 Listen in as we unpack how to: ✔ Communicate across industries and cultures ✔ Balance humility with confident storytelling ✔ Remove pain points through clarity and curiosity ✔ Build a reputation rooted in trust, not titles ✔ Tell your story in a way that opens doors To connect with Jens, visit his LinkedIn page here. If you liked listening to this episode, click here to view more in this series. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page.